Illinois' cases of West Nile virus in 2025 have already exceeded the total amount of cases in 2024, and 67 of Illinois' 102 counties have had positive tests in humans, birds, mosquitoes, and animals this year.
Chicago may be the biggest draw for tourists outside Illinois, but those of us who live here know that there are plenty of spots throughout Illinois full of natural wonder and just waiting for visitors.
In Northern Illinois, squash bugs infect pumpkin patches from mid-summer on. These flat, dark insects pierce leaves, causing stunted vines and browning. Here's how you get rid of them.